Vitamin D

February 3, 2010

I have studied the importance of Vitamins and Minerals for years but I never knew how important vitamin D had become.

After recently getting a physical and blood work my very good Doctor and friend Dr. Unger. told me that I was chronically low in vitamin D.

I couldn’t believe it!!! I thought that I was in perfect condition.

Well, I was wrong so I decided to do some research about Vitamin D.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a 15 year old young athlete trying to put on some muscle, a working mom who is trying to shed those last 10 lbs, or a 60 year old grandpa who is looking to improve his health …

And my answer is always the same – let’s first look at your diet before assessing if you should be taking a supplement(s).

Most are overrated, but there are some that have merit for sure.

And one vitamin that continues to dominate the science and media is vitamin D -the “Sunshine Vitamin.”

Not long ago it was thought of as more of a “helper” nutrient – helping the body better utilize its calcium for strong bones.

But the game has changed.

GRAB HOLD THE POWER OF THE SUN!!

Experts now realize that vitamin D has a positive effect on many different functions in the body:

And more and more research is showing that a good majority of the population is deficient – here are just some prevalence numbers from several studies:

* 74% of premenopausal women
* 60% of elderly
* 50% of pregnant women
* 42% of children are deficient!

The first step is to get your levels tested – ask for your doctor to test 25-hydroxyvitamin D .

The blood values should be between 50-80 ng/mL (or 125-200 nM/L) year-round.

So if it’s so important, where do we get it?

We can make vitamin D from sunlight. But most “shun the sun” – by either rarely venturing outdoors, or slathering themselves with 4000 SPF suntan lotion so it’s like a suit of armor.
I blame my wife for being low on Vitamin D since she never let’s me out in the sun without putting 4000 SPF sunblock on me.

(She is an esthetician so she is always worried about skin and sun damage)
I know she really has my best interest at heart.

And some other foods provide D too, but it’s difficult to get through foods – milk is fortified, canned and wild salmon are good options, sardines, anchovies, egg yolks, liver, and only a few other foods provide decent quantities Vitamin D. Unfortunately most don’t eat or drink many of those options above.

So what should we do?

1. Go to the doctor and have your levels tested.

(If you live in the area I recommend Dr. Unger)

14726 Ramona Ave.Suite 110 Chino, CA 91710 (909)590-8409

He truly is one of the best out there.

2. Include some of those foods above for quality sources of D, along with other nutrients.

The Body Itself Makes Vitamin D When Exposed to the Sun

3. Get out in the sun a bit – just 10 minutes each day seems to be sufficient.

4. Add a quality vitamin D supplement – experts seem to agree that 1000 IU’s of Vitamin D3 each day is a good start.

Of course talk to your health care provider and follow their specific recommendations.

Heck, even Bailee takes 400 IU’s every single day … and she’s just 7 months old!

So to answer the “what supplement should I take” question – this is one supplement that I feel should be on everyone’s shelf.

For more information on this subject I recommend talking to

Dr. Unger.

14726 Ramona Avenue

Suite 110

Chino, CA 91710

(909)590-8409

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